HOWTO: Deploy and Configure VMware vRealize Log Insight 4.5

VMware vRealize Log Insight is not only available as a standalone product. A limited functionality version is also included with the vCenter License.

The deployment of vRealize Log Insight can be completed in a few easy steps:

Deploying the vRealize Log Insight Appliance

Configuring the first vRealize Log Insight Appliance

(optional) Configuring additional vRealize Log Insight Appliance(s)

Configuring vSphere Integration

Deploying the vRealize Log Insight Appliance

Navigate to the VMware vCenter Server Web Client (https://vcenter.fqdn/vsphere-client/) and log in using appropriate credentials.

Right click on the vCenter Server in the navigation window and select Deploy OVF Template…

Click Browse and navigate to the vLI OVA file and click Open.

Click Next.

Enter the Name of the virtual machine (within vCenter – this doesn’t set the hostname) and select the VM folder to deploy the OVA.

Click Next.

Select the Resource (cluster, host or vApp) where you want to deploy vLI and click Next.

Click Next.

If you have nothing better to do, read the EULA, then click Accept.

Click Next.

Select the desired the appropriate appliance size from the Configuration dropdown.

Click Next.

Select the Storage location and click Next.

Select the Destination Network from the dropdown and click Next.

Enter the following Networking information:

DNS Server IPs (maximum 2)

DNS domain

Default Gateway

Hostname

IP Address

Subnet Mask

and click Networking Properties to minimize.

Enter the password for the appliance Root account and click Next.

The VMware vRealize Log Insight Appliance will now be deployed.

Note: Once deployed the Appliance will need to be powered on before continuing.

Configuring the first vRealize Log Insight Appliance

Using a web browser, navigate to the VMware vRealize Log Insight page, https://vli-appliance.fqdn.

Click Next.

Click Start New Deployment.

Enter the Email address and the password for the admin user

Click Save and Continue.

Enter the License Key (or click Skip).

Click Save and Continue.

Enter an Email Address into the Email System Notification To textfield and (optional) add the Send HTTPS Post Notification To URL. Then Uncheck the Join the VMware Customer Experience Program checkbox.

Click Save and Continue.

If required, update the NTP Servers and click Test.

Note: I’m using the ntp servers from europe.pool.ntp.org but this could also be internal ntp servers.

Click Save and Continue.

(if required) Update the SMTP Configuration so that notifications can be sent from vLI (or click Skip).